   The spirit of independence has set the New World aflame.  Revolutions in the North American colonies and Haiti have already suceeded; now the Viceroyalties of South America yearn for liberty.  They have seized upon Napoleon's coronation of his brother in Madrid to proclaim their freedom.  But Spain assumes this will last only until Bonaparte is removed from the throne.  If the Criollos resist further, will not Spain punish the impudence of its vassals of three centuries?  Or will even greater heroes rise to check this greater threat?

   George Washington's modesty kept him from receiving just about anything he could have asked the Continental Congress for -- land, money, even the title of king.  To me his modesty in not asking for reward was far more important to the United States then his military ability.  Within 25 years of the birth of the United States, South America was blessed with THREE such men.  Whether Bolivar, San Martn, or O'Higgins were admirers of Washington is a controversial question, but it is certainly the case that their popularity and skill equaled if not exceeded their predecessor.  Yet their rewards for victory against Spain brought them exile and pain.  
   After almost two centuries of independence South America is far poorer and more chaotic than the U.S.  Many believe this is because Spanish culture and law were more authoritarian, less nourishing to the development of individual wealth and property than their English counterparts.  And this is probably why the unitarian ideals of Bolivar, O'Higgins and San Martn could not overcome the resistance of those in power. But perhaps it is justice for the cruel treatment of three noble souls who would sacrifice all for the freedom of their countrymen.


   As most people know I deliberately keep the readme file sparse to encourage use of the Civilopedia.  Therefore I have restricted my comments here to the bare necessities needed to play.


1.  This is a rare scenario that allows players to change governments, if only with a few choices.  But it is in keeping with the spirit of the times.  Tha patriots can be republican or revert to an aristocracy (Monarchy) of landowners.  Brasil will one day have a choice between aristocracy and empire, as it did in reality.


2.  Because the scenario starts out before the arrival of Bolivar, San Martin & O'Higgins, the rulers of the nations involved are the leading figures at the time independence was declared.  This also suits my purposes of having the commanders appear as units in the game.  And it reflects the fact these leaders were ultimately forced from government.


3.  There are both small settlements and plantations scattered on the map.  The ones existing at the start of the game can have stack units in these squares without fear of wholesale devastation.  Nations can build more plantations only.


4.  Specific unit types that deserve mention:

	a.  Chasseurs are English-speaking light cavalry.  After the raid against Buenos Aires in 1806-7, many of the defeated invaders stayed in South America to serve in native armies.

	b.  Cazadores are a type of light infantry used by all Latin American nations.

	c.  Carabineros are a heavier version of cazadores.

	d.  The Infernales were the most feared of Gaucho regiments.  They acquired their name as a contrast to a Spanish unit called Angelenos -- but those who would oppose them found that the name fit well.

	e.  Naval ordnance is a special type of weapon that can only affect ships.  However, warships can load and unload them from port - and attack other ships with them (though I doubt the computer will do this well).  However, since they function like air units, they will be destroyed if they end a turn outside a city or ship.  Unfortunately, the computer likes to kill them early.


5.  Some tips to play.

	a.  The patriots can benefit from freeing slaves working on Brasilian plantations and recruting Indians in the Amazon and Patagonia.  This can be done by encountering and defeating certain units.

	b.  At the start of the game the patriots cannot build any artillery.  Their easiest route to cannons is to take Spanish cities that have arsenals within their walls.  Eventually they will be able to get the requisite technologies, or perhaps ask another nation for them.

	c.  Jesuits should have a fairly difficult time bribing the better units because of their high price.  In contrast, Indians are very easy to produce and consequently easy to convert.

	d.  The Royalists are the protagonists, and only their cities (plus those with wonders:  Asuncion, Cartagena, Caracas, Buenos Aires & Rio) are objectives.  If Spain controls any more than one objective after 165 turns have passed, the patriots have failed.


6.  The following people have contributed to the creation of this scenario - some involuntarily :)
Jess Balsinde:  unit templates, icons, answers to many questions, a reminder that Macchu Pichu wasn't discovered until 1911, and the dreaded Alt-173;
Alex Mor:  unit templates.
Jess Muoz Fernandez: cities, unit templates.
Captain Nemo:  unit templates, alternate uses for railroads, et c.
Finally, the author of the samerica scenario, which I consider one of the better ones available before the advent of CiC.
